
'' PR 

=^°- DREAM 



VERSES and Oth, 





Class£J?r n0^ .^5' 
Rook . A ';-^ 141^7 

COPYRIGHT DEPOSrr 



DREAM VERSES, AND OTHERS 



Dream Verses 



AND OTHERS 



By 

Elizabeth Roberts MacDonald 




Boston 

L. C. Page & Company 

igo6 



LiBK/^SY of CONGRESS 
Twfi CoDies Received 

JUM 13 1906 

Copyright Entry 

CxfCLASS Oj XXc. No. 

^ COPY B. 



?f?. 



4:>02-S" 






Copyright, igo6 

By L. C. Page & CoxMPANV 

(incorporated) 



All risrhts reserved 



First Impression, May, 1906 



Colonial Press 

Electrotyped and Printed by C. H. Simonds & Co. 
Boston, U. S. A. 



TO 
i>. a. E. f^Rt^, 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 



In Dream's Domain 3 

DrEAMHURST e 

The Quiet Land 8 

The Dream -winds lo 

At the End of the Road . . . .11 

The House 13 

Poppies 14 

An Invocation i^ 

Young Delight 18 

Foretellings 20 

The Sweet o' the Year . . . .21 

A Song of June 23 

In August's Glare 24 

The Summons ...... 26 

Though Seasons Pass .... 28 

When Fades the Year .... 30 

The Fire of the Frost • • . . 33 

An Autumn Leaf 35 

vii 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Though White Drifts Bar the Door . 36 

Snow 38 

White Magic 39 

When Woods Are White .... 41 

Noel -TIDE 42 

SuRSUM Corda 43 

Old Friends, Old Ways .... 44 

Terra Beata 46 

The Parting Hour 48 

The One Unchanging 50 

Trust 51 

A Song of Thanks 53 

The Deserted Garden • • • • 55 

Mid -WINTER 57 

In My Garden 58 

Lilacs 60 

The Gates of Gold 62 

Night 63 

The House of Boughs .... 64 

The Signal -smokes 66 

Gloaming 68 

By the River 70 

Arden 71 

Quietude 72 

The Voice of the Wind .... 73 

Damaris 75 

viii 



CONTENTS 


PAGE 


Juliana Horatia Ewing .... 76 


On Splendid Pinions . 






78 


One Star .... 






79 


The Spell of the Forest . 






80 


The Larger Claim 






82 


Sphere of Wonder 






83 


The Wind of Life 






85 


The House Among the Firs 






87 


The Good Days . 






89 


The Fields of Peace . 






91 


Love's Messenger 






92 


Via Amoris .... 






93 


Gray Days .... 






95 


The Yellow Rose 






96 


Dove -gray .... 






97 


Homing 






98 


Companioned 






99 


Ave 






103 


Nests 






104 


Secrets 






106 


Dreamland .... 






108 


Journeys .... 






no 


Waking 






"3 


Whiteness .... 






114 


The Garden .... 






"5 


Good Night .... 






■ "7 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Fairy Favours ii8 

Guarded 120 

Voices 121 

In Hilary's House 122 



PART I. 



DREAM VERSES 

AND OTHERS 



IN DREAM'S DOMAIN 

To some green table-land, beyond our sight 
When daytime clips the wings of fancy's flight, 
I came in cool enchanted hours of night. 

In that glad world of dream Time cannot reach, 
Where true hearts answer truly, each to each. 
And glance or touch can utter more than speech, 

With hand held fast in hand along the green 
Dim road we ran, through drifted shade and 
sheen, 

3 



IN DREAM S DOMAIN 

While fresh winds sang our laughing words 
between. 

It seemed that so for ever we could run, — 
That all the tangled web of days was spun 
And life and youth immortal were begun. 

Dream strange and dear, how often in the 

throng 
And stress of duties, like a breath of song 
Your memory has returned to make me strong ! 



DREAMHURST 

My dream-house fronts the land of hope and 

dawn; 
Green fields slope round it, forests guard it 

close, 
Rich skies bend over it, and at its back 
What sunsets glimmer like the gates of Heaven ! 
I fain would let you see it. Dear my Friend, 
This long low house, the very heart of home, — 
Yet all my words must fail to give its charm. 
Some time, some perfect hour, I think will 

come 
When I shall take your hand and lead you so, 
Most gladly welcomed, through the dream-land 

door. 
Till then, I bring you what report I may. 
5 



DREAMHURST 



At one end, toward the darkling hemlock 

woods, 
My garden stretches ; here are old-time flowers, 
Monk's-hood and bleeding-heart, forget-me- 
not; 
Pink musk and meadowsweet, and many more 
From childhood loved, with other stranger 

blooms 
Whose names I know not yet, — and by the 

gate 
The dear Blue Rose of magic memories 
A rowan-tree, red-berried, canopies 
One corner; maples spread their leafy tents. 
And foreign flowering shrubs lift fairy lamps 
Of bloom and fruitage through the greenery. 
(Ah, Love, these quiet paths, this garden 

ground, 
I long to lead you through.) 



DREAMHURST 



In front, my house 
Is sentinelled by lilacs, in whose shade 
The lilies of the valley droop their bells, 
While toward the road the grassy field dips 

down. 
And out beyond stretch hill and vale and wood 
In wide and varying prospect. Standing here 
Beside my door, I watch the moonlight wake 
The earth with longing such as music brings. 

So, dear one, when you come in dreams at last, 
May moonlight blend with sunset in the sky 
And all the air be sweet with lilac-bloom ! 



THE Q_UIET LAND 

Into the land of sleep 

Slowly, when sinks the sun, 

Out of the garish streets of day 
We wander, one by one. 

Here are the hopes that drooped 
Seeming to fail in the strife ; 

Now in our eyes they gaze and smile 
With word of endless life. 

Here are the homes we planned, — 

Cottage, palace, and hall. 
Waiting the tread of our welcome feet 

Behind the dream-built wall. 
8 



THE QUIET LAND 



Out of the streets of day 
Slowly, when sinks the sun, 

Into the quiet land of sleep 
We wander, one by one. 



THE DREAM-WINDS 

Out of the dusk the dream-winds blow, — 

And starry hopes and rushing wings 
And angel faces, row on row, 

And golden, unforgotten days. 

Rich Autumns, faintly-smiling Springs, 
Old tunes, and tender childhood ways. 

Come near to touch our lips with song. 

Our troubled hearts to heal with peace, 
Till hope rewakens clear and strong. 

Kind arms of slumber wrap us round. 

The day's harsh echoes sink and cease. 
And soft and low the dream-winds sound. 

lO 



AT THE END OF THE ROAD 

Far in the height of the hills 

Toward the setting sun 
Nestle the homes our hearts shall reach 

When the long day's work is done, — 
In the height of the hills of dream 

They wait till the hills are won. 

Sometimes, when Love makes clear 

Life's inner vision fine. 
Or music breathes its word 

Of mystery half-divine. 
Suddenly, out of the dusk, 

We see their windows shine. 



II 



AT THE END OF THE ROAD 

There, when the setting sun 
The spirit with wonder fills, 

When the good day's work is ended 
And the voice of welcome thrills, 

We shall come to their shelter safe 
Far in the height of the hills. 



12 



THE HOUSE 

My dear house, my brown house, 

Set round with living green, 
Like a nest among the branches 

Your loveliness is seen ; 
Around your fairy casements 

Pink roses climb and fall, — 
Yet, oh my heart, the dream-house 

Is best beloved of all. 

My dear house, my brown house. 

How good, when day is done. 
In your shelter safe enfolded 

To feel that rest is won ; 
Within your walls how softly 

Slumber and silence fall, — 
Yet in our hearts the dream-house 

Is best beloved of all ! 
13 



POPPIES 

When all the world was white with snow, 
I dreamed of poppies, row on row, 
Breaking the white with crimson glow. 

So blooms, I thought, the red of love 
Richly, life's frozen wastes above, 
Breaking the bitter spell thereof! 



14 



AN INVOCATION 

Oh strong white angel, Sleep, 
Thou pitiful-eyed and strong, 
From those far fields of song 

On merciful pinions sweep ; 
Come, for the hours are long ! 

Come, for the cares of day 
With mocking faces stand ; 
Save with thy mother-hand 

From bitter eyes that slay ; 

Lead to the dear Dream-Land. 

Brush with thy bough of balm 
The forehead tense with pain ; 
Bring to the burning brain 
15 



AN INVOCATION 



Soothing and hush and calm 
And youth's high hopes again. 

Bring to the hungry heart 
The one, the dearest smile. 
Then for a sacred while 

Set love from grief apart 
In some uncharted isle. 

Come, for the hours are dark, 

The solid blackness lies 

A weight across our eyes ; 
In the skies there gleams no spark, 

No hope in the heavy skies. 

See how we wait with tears, 

While the heart on Memory's quest 
Goes back and cannot rest 

Seeking the vanished years 
And childhood's valley blest. 
i6 



AN INVOCATION 



Comfort to those that weep 
Bring with thy mother-hand j 

Safely our spirits keep ; 

Oh strong white angel, Sleep, 
Lead to the dear Dream-Land ! 



17 



YOUNG DELIGHT 

Wakes the Springtime in the woodland, 
Lightly laughs the blithe cascade, 

Deep the azure dreams above us. 
All the world for hope is made ; — 

Dearest, Dearest, 
Might the feet of Time be stayed ! 

Breaks the maple into blushes. 
Calls the robin silver-sweet ; 

Far within the forest-hushes 

Makes the snow its last retreat ; 

Gleams the river 
Flinging off its winding-sheet. 

i8 



YOUNG DELIGHT 



Love can keep his April fervour, 
Keep his youth in Time's despite j 

Love's no changing season-server, — 
Nay, he mocks the years to flight ; 

Heart of Springtime, 
Hold we fast our young delight ! 



19 



FORETELLINGS 

Wild warm wind from far-ofF countries calling, 

Spring wakes and cries in every longing note ! 

What though we know the snow will yet be 

falling, — 

Snows soon shall change to cherry -blooms 

afloat. 

Wild sweet dream, from lands uncharted given, 
Whispering love too deep to fade or fail. 

Refuge and rest for hearts that long have 
striven, — 
Dost thou foretell a joy that shall prevail ? 



20 



THE SWEET O'THE YEAR 

Joy sways the wind, the Summer wind, 

Joy lights the fires of dawn, 
And wings the happy feet that glide 

Along the velvet lawn. 

(For Love has come to bide with us 

And never pass away ; 
What matters storm or shine to us 

If only Love may stay !) 

A clearer gold the lily wears. 

The rose a richer hue, 
The skies their benediction breathe 

From depths of burning blue. 

21 



THE SWEET O THE YEAR 

The hillside pastures, softly green, 

Lie dreaming in the sun ; 
Their brooks with tinkling laughter light 

Toward the river run. 

And past the banks where willows gnarled 

Their ancient vigil keep 
The drowsy river slowly drifts 

And murmurs in its sleep. 

Ah sweet the wind, and glad the light, 

And amber-deep the shade ; 
On hill and stream and city street 

The spell of Joy is laid. 

(For Love has come to bide with us 

And never pass away ; 
What matters storm or shine to us 

If only Love may stay !) 

22 



A SONG OF JUNE 

When the days are long and lovely 

And the cinnamon rose in bloom, 
When the magic twilight hour 

Is rich with purple gloom, 
Youth's deathless dream 

Comes and will not depart, 
And the sweet hopes of childhood 

Are kindled in the heart. 

When the paths in the quiet garden 

Are shaded with elm and vine, 
When the dusk is hushed and holy, 

And moonlight half-divine. 
Thoughts sweet as June 

In the weary brain upstart, 
And love, love like a tide 

Rises and fills the heart. 
23 



IN AUGUST'S GLARE 

Could we but call them back, — 

The scented hours of Spring, 
When love was holy awe 

And thought took lyric wing. 
When the skies were full of dream, 

And the winds of sweet desire. 
When night was a purple tent. 

And dawn a sacred fire. 

The blinding heat, the dust, 

The mid-noon shadowless glare. 

Would they could pass and change 
To June's soft healing air ; 
24 



IN August's glare 



And the heavy hearts that creep 
Through hours of sordid strife, 

Oh, for a breath of youth 
To stir them back to life ! 



25 



THE SUMMONS 

The wind voice calls and calls you ; 

Heart of the woods, return ! 
The little paths remember, 

Lonely among the fern. 

The Autumn fields await you, 
Soul of my song, Hilaire ; 

Their purple pennons signal. 
Their golden banners flare. 

The solemn sunset gladness 
Like some great organ's roll. 

The moonlight's white enchantment 
Awakening the soul : — 
26 



THE SUMMONS 



They call you home to Dreamhurst 
Out of the world's great glare ; 

Your woods and I are waiting, 
Heart of my heart, Hilaire ! 



27 



THOUGH SEASONS PASS 

The red vine sways in the chill sweet wind ; 

(Summer must die, must die!) 
White cloud-masses are driven and thinned 

Over an azure sky j 
Goldenrod by the roadside gleams, 
And asters nod by the narrowed streams. 

For the year is drifting by. 

With magic colour the forest glows 

Fit for a pageant fair. 
Gold and scarlet, ruby and rose. 

Bright as a bugle's blare ; 
Sky and river and woodland shine, — 
But chill is the wind that sways the vine. 

And the frost no bloom shall spare. 
28 



THOUGH SEASONS PASS 



The dark days come and the bitter chill ; 

Whispers the wood, " Good night ; " 
Winter lurks by the lonely hill 

Wrapped in his robe of white ; 
Soon, ah, soon, he shall banish far 
Forest-beacon and blossom-star, — 

But a dream defies his might ! 



29 



WHEN FADES THE YEAR 

Dearest, how many a thing 

We learn as the swift years go, 

How proudly we talk and sing 
Of all that there is to know. 

And the world will go on and on 
And grand new truths be learned, 

When we are dead and gone, 
To dust our bodies turned. 

Think of it, Love, to dust, — 

Hands that have clasped and clung. 

Eyes that have looked their trust, 
Lips that have smiled and sung; 
30 



WHEN FADES THE YEAR 

Withered and wasted and gone, 
Swallowed up of the night ; 

Eyes that were clear as dawn, 
Lips that were true as light; 

Cheeks where the burning tear 
And the blush of joy have spread, 

Hearts that have held life dear, — 
All shall be stilled and dead. 

Heart of my heart, be true ! 

Strange how this Autumn day 
Searches my spirit through 

With its word that nought can stay. 

Nought ? Yea, the one great Love 
That has thought and framed us all, 

That is near us, beneath, above. 
That is given us past recall. 
31 



WHEN FADES THE YEAR 

Dearest, remembering this, 

Why should we dread death's night ? 
If our love be born of His 

It must surely reach the Light ! 



32 



THE FIRE OF THE FROST 

Now's the time of shortening day. 
Purple mist behind the wood. 

Golden elm and crimson vine. 

Visions, longings half-divine, 
Hopes not understood. 

Something that the frost foretells. 
Something that the woods forebode. 

Waits us where the sumach looms 

Rich in glories and in glooms 
Down the dreamy road. 

Shall we seek it, oh my dear. 

Hand in hand along the way. 
Following down this Autumn trail 
33 



THE FIRE OF THE FROST 

Through the daisies purple-pale, 
Past the gates of day ? 

All the aureole-coloured air 

Shines around us pure and deep ; 
Crowds of yellowing scented fern 
Bound the path at every turn, 
Nodding, half-asleep. 

On the mossy knolls a few 

Faded leaves are crisp and curled ; 
Here a violet, strayed from Spring, 
Sheds its blueness, marvelling. 

On an altered world. 

Love, these hours of Autumn charm. 

Purple shadow, topaz light. 
In our memory's wonder-hall 
Rich enchantment shall recall 
When the woods are white ! 

34 



AN AUTUMN LEAF 

My heart is like a golden leaf 
This Autumn wind has found 

And blown across a dreamland wall 
To some enchanted ground. 



35 



THOUGH WHITE DRIFTS 
BAR THE DOOR 

Let the blue streams of Summer 
Go singing down my rhyme, 

The little rapids clamour, 
The silver shallows chime j 

Let the soft sound of poplars 
That whisper all day long, 

The solemn croon of pine-trees. 
The thrush's evening song. 

Make music by my hearth-side 
Where the dark shadows loom. 

And one dear face beside me 

Lean nearer through the gloom. 
36 



WHITE DRIFTS BAR THE DOOR 

Then the wild storms may rage 
From some forsaken shore, — 

Love has come in with Winter 
Though white drifts bar the door ! 



37 



SNOW 

Like fairy mist, without a sound, 
The white seclusion wraps us round 
In isolation sweet, profound. 

The old familiar landmarks pass 
As faces from a looking-glass. 
As dew the sun lifts off the grass ; 

And childhood memories awake, 

A dream for every starry flake. 

And hopes no stress of frost may break. 

The world fades out ; how trivial show 
Its empty joys, its hollow woe, 
Beside this vision of the snow ! 
38 



WHITE MAGIC 

The snow-swirl shuts us in, 
Close to our windows blown; 

This old red house becomes 
An island all our own. 

An island walled with storm, 
Where rosy camp-fires gleam, 

Where in the twilight groves 
We pitch the tents of dream. 

The wind shrieks past the pane 
And down the chimney cries ; 

The gathering darkness holds 
The light of absent eyes. 
39 



WHITE MAGIC 



Glad laughter and the voice 

Of un forgotten song 
From the far shadowed shores 

And windy meadows throng. 

Across the mist of years 

They come, and in their smile 
The long and eager waiting 

Is but a little while. 

Let the white cloud go by, 
The bitter winds complain ; 

Beside the fire we sing 
Our island songs again. 



40 



WHEN WOODS ARE WHITE 

The woods are wrapped in whirling white, 
The wind-voice calls from height to height ; 

Soft drifts across the pastures sweep, 
The lovely paths are buried deep ; 

And where there waved the blossoming vine 
Only the ghostly frost-flowers shine : 

But in our hearts, in spite of storm, 
Love's fairy fire burns clear and warm, 

And round our eaves the dream-winds blow, — 
Though all the woods are wrapped in snow. 



41 



NOEL-TIDE 

Oh, Christmas wind, blow round the world, 
Blow out the bitter fires of hate, 

Flaunt the white flag of love unfurled 
From every golden gate. 

Shine, Christmas dawn, and break the gloom 
Of sordid greed, of soulless might, 

In every hearth as in a room 
The sacred hearth-fire light. 

Call, Christmas voices, wake and call ; 

Glad bells, the jubilant message shout ; 
In every soul break down the wall 

That shuts the Christ-child out. 



42 



SURSUM CORDA 

When Christmas blossoms like a rose 
Of ruddy splendour set in snows, 

When children's voices sweet and shrill 
Uplift the tidings : " Peace, Good-will," 

And bells with rich sonorous notes 
Give greeting mild from brazen throats. 

When happy folk with dancing feet 
Glad time to Christmas music beat, 

And old, old hopes and childhood-dreams 
Wake softly where the Yule log gleams, - 

Oh, sorrowing ones, awhile forget 
The bitter tears, the vain regret. 

And lift your hearts to Him who smiled 
So long ago, on earth, a child. 
43 



OLD FRIENDS, OLD WAYS 

Old friends, old hopes for Christmas, 

And the dreams of days gone by ! 
Hark how the bells are clanging 

Beneath the frosty sky ; 
The world is full of gladness, 

Greeting and clasp and song. 
And in our hearts a music wakes 

That has been silent long. 

Old ways, old words for Christmas, 
And the love that knows no bar 

Though some true hearts are near us 
And some are scattered far; 



44 



OLD FRIENDS, OLD WAYS 

The world is full of partings, — 
But space and time are vain 

To blur the glass that memory holds 
When Yule-tide comes again ! 



45 



TERRA BEATA 

Land where our love and longing 
Lead us by ways of pain, 

Climbing the storm-swept mountain, 
Crossing the bitter plain ; 

Hills of the purple distance. 
Home of the sunset's fire. 

When shall we win thy haven, 
Land of our hearts' desire ! 

Who at the gate shall meet us ? 

Ah, how the swift feet throng. 
Surely there will be silence 

Before that burst of song. 
46 



TERRA BEATA 



Though all the way grows steeper, 
Strong is the guiding hand ; 

Love, lead us onward, upward. 
Safe to the longed-for Land ! 



47 



THE PARTING HOUR 

When the great darkness wraps us round 
And watching anguished faces fade, 

When we drift helpless from the bound 
Of clinging arms about us laid, — 

Lend us, oh lend us, Lord of Death, 
Strong aid in that most bitter hour 
When earth reclaims her dower. 

Oh show us, through the parting pain, 

Across the dusk of severing years. 
Those dearest hands in ours again. 
Those eyes where Love wipes off the 
tears, — 

48 



THE PARTING HOUR 



Enlighten, strengthen, Lord of Life, 

Lest, when the dread command goes out. 
Our spirits pass in doubt. 



49 



THE ONE UNCHANGING 

When all the weight of all the world's despair, 
All sobs that ever shook the midnight air, 

Press heavily against the labouring heart 
And death and pain loom darkly everywhere j 

When one great grief brings home all other 

grief. 
And careless joy is driven like a leaf 

Before the wind of bitterness and tears, 
While far behind fades sunshine all too brief; 

Then, then how small the things that yesterday 
Had power to move with gladness or dismay, — 

Love, only Love, maintains his fixed estate 
In that dark hour that severs soul from clay. 
50 



TRUST 

Out of the shadow of death, 
Out of the prison of pain, 

Brought to the house of life 
And the paths of joy again, 

What has the soul to tell 

That has tasted Heaven and Hell ? 

Is it worth, is it worth the while, 
Or is it all in vain ? 

And the soul made swift reply ; 
*' In spite of pain and tears 
Life shall fulfil its promise 

And Love redeem the years ! " 
5' 



TRUST 

What of the whisper of God 

Heard at the tempest's height ? 
What of the star of hope 

Seen in the deepest night ? 
Is there ever a goal 
For the striving eager soul, 
Or is the One who blesses 
Also the One to smite ? 

And the soul made swift reply : 
" He who is Love Supreme 
Shall conquer death and anguish, 
And the heart attain its dream." 



52 



A SONG OF THANKS 

For the gladness life has brought, 
For the beauties passing thought, 
For the song, the dream, the quest. 
Dawn's clear impulse, evening's rest ; 

For the lure of Spring that wakes 
When the frost's dark barrier breaks. 
For the magic voice that calls 
Over Summer's viewless walls j 

For the memories deeply dear 
Passing time but leaves more clear. 
For the friendship strong and fine. 
For the faith that proves us Thine ; — 
53 



A SONG OF THANKS 



Lord of gladness, hope, and dream, 
Shadowing cloud and wakening gleam, 
Thee we praise, who dost renew 
Love's white fire the long years through. 



54 



THE DESERTED GARDEN 

In the lonely garden 

Yellow lilies blow, 
And the small white roses, 

Globes of perfumed snow ; 

O'er the bower deserted 

Climbs the blossoming vine ; 

Where are they whose footsteps 
Made the paths divine ? 

Every leaf of lilac, 

Every frond of fern, 
Whispers at my passing : 
" They shall not return." 
55 



THE DESERTED GARDEN 

All the deep June evenings, 

All the purple hours, 
Mourn a vanished gladness 

Here among the flowers. 

Down these garden places 
Would the Summer came 

Now no more to haunt me 
With its heart of flame ! 



56 



MID-WINTER 

Would it were not a dream, but Springtime 
really here, — 
Not only these tender skies, misty with dove- 
like blue. 
Not only this vernal air breaking the heart of 
the year, 
And this magic hint and whisper, old and 
yet ever new, — 

Ah, not only these, but the sound of wakened 
streams. 
The brown birds wild with song, the maples 
blossomed fair, 
Silver catkin-flags a-wave where the river gleams. 
And the deep, deep woods rejoicing, — and 
my hand in yours, Hilaire ! 
57 



IN MY GARDEN 

To my garden, oh my garden, 

When the soft wind blows, 
Come the beauty and the vision 

That the dreamer knows ; 
Blooms the rose of vanished summers, 

Wakes the lure of days to be ; 
Hope and love and memory's passion 

Breathe from flower and tree : 
In my garden, oh my garden. 

When the soft wind blows. 

Here upon the breeze the lilac 

All its sweet bestows, 
Here in shadowed nooks the fairy 

Pink linnaea grows ; 
S8 



IN MY GARDEN 



Honeysuckle droops its riches 
Over every bower and wall, 

And the hush of azure heavens 
Broods above it all : 

In my garden, oh my garden, 
When the soft wind blows. 



59 



LILACS 

When the lilac-blooms again 
Wake the memories that have lain 
Sleeping only, never slain, 

Then the garden places throng 
With the footsteps vanished long, 
Youth's clear laughter, childhood's song. 

Thoughts that answered swift our own, 
Voices in whose tender tone 
Harsher note was never known. 

All our unforgotten, dear 
Shades of many a priceless year 
Down the quiet paths draw near. 
60 



LILACS 



Oh the garden, loved of old, — 
How its memories manifold 
Wake when lilac-buds unfold ! 



6i 



THE GATES OF GOLD 

The stormy gold of sunset 
Burned low behind the trees, 

The blue-gray clouds rushed over 
Like wind-swept argosies. 

The gates of Heaven were opened, 
And in that moment's gleam 

Shone peace past understanding 
And love beyond a dream. 



62 



NIGHT 

The whispering wind around my eaves 
Its Merlin-charm of magic weaves ; 
I hear the secrets of the leaves ; 

Blown from the forest's spacious gloom, 
Vision and song and purple bloom, 
Dream windflowers, light the dusky room 

And from that world, so near, so far, 
Where all our hopes and memories are. 
One white face glimmers like a star. 



63 



THE HOUSE OF BOUGHS 

(to m. s. p.) 

In green Acadian woods one day 

We built of boughs a fragrant home ; 
As glad as children are at play. 

We draped the walls with mosses gray, 

But left the mighty sky for dome, 
In green Acadian woods that day. 

Shall we return that shadowy way 
To tread the mossy forest loam 
In green Acadian woods some day ? 

I knew what dreams too dear to say 

In your deep heart had found a home, — 
Glad, not as children are at play. 
64 



THE HOUSE OF BOUGHS 

The world might go if love would stay ; 
Our play-house had the sky for dome 
In green Acadian woods that day 
When Heaven and Earth were ours, in play. 



65 



THE SIGNAL-SMOKES 

Among the frozen woods, the lonely hills, 
The golden Summer fires are still alight ; 

Ah Love, they lure us out, their signal-smokes 
Are purple on the height. 

What matter, all the Winter's bitterness. 

Harsh winds that buffet, sullen frosts that 
slay ? 

The folk of dream have lit the beacon-fires, 
The heart of hope holds sway. 

What voices call, what visions manifold, — 
The comrade hearts, the camp above the 
shore, 

66 



THE S I G N A L- S M O K E S 

The Starlight on the water, and the clasp 
Of hands we hold no more. 

Through the white storm we see them, still our 
own ; — 
Love, let us go, though vision droop and 
tire : 
They wait us at the turning of the road, 
The tents of our desire. 



67 



GLOAMING 

Dear Heart, the hours have been so long 
That day has kept you far from me, 

But now the gloaming brings you back, 
The home-kiss sets you free. 

So tired ? Then lay your hand in mine 
And we will wander, singing low, 

To sunset fields beyond the day 
By paths the dream-led know. 

We'll rest beneath the slumber-tree 

Whose branches shine with starry flame ; 

We'll hear the grasses whispering 
And call the winds by name. 
68 



GLOAMING 



We'll climb the hemlock-sheltered hill 
Where once the frost-king's palace stood, 

And pluck the dear Blue Rose of dreams 
Beside the magic wood. 

Dear Heart, the hours will not be long 
The while we wander, singing low. 

To fairy fields beyond the day 
By paths the dream-led know. 



69 



BY THE RIVER 

Over the river wandering 

A wind came fraught with dream ; 
It bent the gray shore-willows, 

And tipped the waves with cream. 

Out of a land of mystery 
To this grave earth it came, 

And in my heart the music 
Of youth leapt up like flame. 



70 



ARDEN 

What will I seek in Arden ? 

Rich sleep to wrap me round. 
Soft fold on fold of slumber 

Unstirred by any sound ; 

And then, when soul and body 
Are soothed and strong and clear, 

A waking sweet as sunrise 

In the Spring-time of the year. 



71 



QUIETUDE 

The grasses bent and whispered, 
The scented wind sighed low, 

The blue sky-fields above us 

Were heaped with drifts like snow, 

And dream-deep, where cares sleep. 
We let the moments go. 

Our hearts were filled with gladness, 

For Nature's tender hand 
Had beckoned us and led us 

Across the low green land, 
And wind-song and stream-song 

Were ours to understand. 



72 



THE VOICE OF THE WIND 

The voice of the wind has spoken ; has not 

your spirit heard ? 
Out of the night a whisper, out of the dusk a 

word. 

Once, it seemed to be sorrow only its crooning 

told, 
Sorrow and helpless longing and memories 

manifold. 

But now when I wake and listen I hear a love- 
lier strain, 

A crying of " Rise and follow ; the quest shall 
not be vain ! " 

73 



THE VOICE OF THE WIND 

A rfiurmur of " Trust and conquer ; dearer than 

words can tell 
Is the answer that waits our longing, in the 

Land where all is well." 

So when the wind comes calling by night about 

your eaves 
Say not that always, only, for some lost hope it 

grieves, 

But hear the whispered tidings of countries 

Love has known, 
And catch, beneath the sighing, joy's endless 

undertone. 



74 



DAMARIS 

Vague as a half-remembered dream 

Her shadowy presence passes, 
And gentle as the Summer wind 

That breathes among the grasses, 
Yet ah, what thoughts awaken 

And what old hopes return, 
When Damaris goes singing 

Among the upland fern. 

Her voice is like the sighing 

Of cedars on the height. 
Her eyes have caught the glamour 

Of the moon's mysterious light j 
And ah, what thoughts awaken 

And what old hopes return, 
When Damaris goes singing 

Among the upland fern. 
75 



JULIANA HORATIA EWING 

White face, with that down-droop we love so 
well, 
And all that weight of golden hair for crown, 
You glimmered, a clear fine star of genius, once 
Through these dear streets, this quiet Cana- 
dian town ; 
Then England took you home ; too soon, too 
soon, 
Beyond love's sight the fair tired head was 
laid, 
Among the pale prophetic flowers of Spring 
In English yew-tree shade. 

How many a soul you gladdened as you climbed 
With smiles and tears life's difficult rocky 
height, 

76 



JULIANA HORATIA EWING 

And ever, where you passed, some garden 
sprang. 
Set by your slender hands with heart's - 
delight : 
White spirit, though now in lovelier fields you 
walk. 
Your high and human radiance lights us 
here; 
These willows by the blue Canadian stream 
Shall keep your memory dear. 



n 



ON SPLENDID PINIONS 

Wonderful wind-swept sky 

Where the torch of sunset flares, 

Where banners of cloud sweep by 

And the bugle of storm out-blares, — 

Rapture of rose-bright flame, 
Guerdon of colour and sound, 

Vision beyond a name 

From the fields that have no bound, — 

Would that the heart might sweep 
On your splendid pinions far 

To the place where joy is deep 
As here men's sorrows are ! 



78 



ONE STAR 

One bright star in the quiet sky 
Over the forest gleams ; 

So for your comfort, Dear, would I 
Shine in your lonely dreams. 



79 



THE SPELL OF THE FOREST 

Not like the calm of the broad and placid 
meadows 
With their child-heart daisies laughing in the 
sun, 
Is the passionate peace of the dear mysterious 
forest 

Where life and dream are one. 

Hour after hour in its depths we are fain to 
linger, 
Filled with its fulness, hushed in its amber 
gloom, 
Breathing the breath of the wind that among 
its branches 

Murmurs of bud and bloom. 
80 



THE SPELL OF THE FOREST 



Far from the haunts of man, and the weary 
clamour 
Of folk that for ever toil without content, 
There let us rest and rejoice in the fragrant 
shadow 

Under the fir-tree's tent. 



8i 



THE LARGER CLAIM 

Love's breath is life undying ; scorn, my heart, 
Passion that claims alone the earthly part ; 
Look upward, onward ; see how Love's domain 
Unbounded is, nor set on any chart. 

Shall love of this green whirling globe be less 
Because a larger fealty we confess ? 
Nay, yet more dear each field and forest grows 
Each daily joy has added power to bless. 

This land is yours ; claim, too, that country 

vast 
To which all aspiration turns at last, 
Across whose boundaries so many feet 
That walked a little while with ours have 

passed. 

82 



SPHERE OF WONDER 

Sphere of wonder, swinging grandly, 

Lit with myriad lights agleam. 
Swayed to music. Love-begotten, 

Strange earth, green earth, roofed with 
dream ; 

Swift the marvel of thy sweeping 
So through star-deep fields of space. 

Great-winged angels of creation 
Leading on from place to place. 

Sphere of colour, shifting, changing. 
Green and ruby, gold and blue. 

One of God's own jewels, turning 
On an orbit He keeps true, — 
83 



SPHERE OF WONDER 



Little world among so many, 

How, despite your graves and tears, 

We your puzzled children love you. 
Singing, swinging down the years ! 



84 



THE WIND OF LIFE 

The wind calls, the wind calls, from far-ofF 
fairy meadows 
Where children's feet go lightly all day 
long; 
Would I might catch those fine aerial measures 
And read that wonder-song. 

Low drifts of love-words sweet as garden- 
closes, 
Great shouts of youth that wins in mighty 
strife. 
Kindness, rejoicing, all we love and long for, 
Are in that song of life. 
8S 



THE WIND OF LIFE 



The rich wind, the sweet wind, from some 
dear region blowing 
Where all is well, and death is overthrown, — 
How we lift up our hearts to learn its meaning 
And hold it for our own ! 



86 



THE HOUSE AMONG THE 
FIRS 

A low gray house is set among the firs, 
And softly night and winter wall it round ; 

Among its garden-ways no creature stirs, 

And from its frozen meadows breathes no 
sound. 

But ah, within those quiet walls what light ! 

Lamps globed like mimic moons, and fire- 
light's glow. 
And eyes of childhood still with wonder bright 

Above some fairy record bending low. 

The mother gazes on the fire and builds 

Dream's mighty architecture, — Love knows 
how, — 

87 



THE HOUSE AMONG THE FIRS 

And one beside her thinks how firelight gilds 
Her hair, and shows the splendour of her 
brow. 

Keep watch about it, Kindly Powers, and let 
No evil thing draw nigh that dear abode, — 

The low gray house of quiet, safely set 
Among its firs beyond the winding road. 



88 



THE GOOD DAYS 

Oh do you mind the old days, when life was in 

its Spring, 
When every hour had promise, and hope was 

strong of wing, — 
The drifting on the river, the singing on the 

shore. 
In the good days, the old days, the days that are 

no more ? 

The sunrise lights have faded and hearts grown 

grave since then. 
And we have worked and wearied in a world of 
busy men, 

89 



THE GOOD DAYS 



Yet Still the magic lingers that wakes the smile 

and sigh 
For the good days, the glad days, the days that 

have gone by. 

So let us live that these days, in looking back, 

may prove 
As rich with happy memories, as bright with 

constant love, — 
That we may call them also, when our heads 

are white like snow, 
" The good days, the dear days, the days of 

long ago ! " 



90 



THE FIELDS OF PEACE 

Oh, to be out in the wild sweet starry spaces 

Under the open sky, 
Your hand in mine, and the soft wind in our 
faces, 

To watch the hours go by ; 

There to be glad as children are glad together, 
Crowned with a dream of peace, 

Holding the round world leashed in a golden 
tether 
Waiting a word's release ! 



91 



LOVE'S MESSENGER 

Take him, oh wind, a dream ! 

Bid far the city's tumult fade and cease ; 
Ah lead him softly where the poplars gleam. 

And wrap his soul in peace. 

Take him, oh wind, this word. 

And he shall rise and know the outstretched 
hand, 
And follow swiftly as the homing bird 

To this dear forest-land. 



92 



VIA AMORIS 

Up the hill in the faery weather, 
Over the hill and into the wood, 

You and I and our dream together 
Went, and the way was good. 

Oh, but our hearts were light with loving, 
Fair around us the wide world spread. 

Life before us was ours for proving. 
Doubt was conquered and dead. 

Now we have known the wintry weather, 
Loss and sorrow and bitter tears, — 

You and I and our dream together, — 
Still we out-brave the years ; 
93 



VIA A M O R I S 



Still we whisper, the closer leaning, 
" Golden sunlight or skies of gray. 
Wild white storm or the sweet woods 
greening,— 
Love shall show us the way ! '* 



94 



GRAY DAYS 

By the lonely river 

Spring has lost her way, 
All the willows shiver. 

All the skies are gray. 

Softly comes the gloaming. 
Sighs our cedar-tree ; 

Now the birds are homing,— 
Thou art far from me. 

Here last year together 
Found we love supreme : 

Now 'tis gray, gray weather, 
By the sobbing stream. 
95 



THE YELLOW ROSE 

A yellow rose my true love brought 
With Summer in its petals caught ; 
I look thereon and read his thought. 

Wishes and fancies half-untold, 
Dear dreams and longings manifold, 
Are nestled in its heart of gold. 

His love is flower, and altar-flame, 
And magic star without a name. 
And life is gladness, — since he came. 

Oh, yellow rose, my yellow rose, 
Swiftly his whispered word disclose 
That in your golden bosom glows ! 
96 



DOVE-GRAY 

Gray the day, but such a grayness, — 
Blue-gray, dove-gray, full of peace ; 

Hushed with Spring, the doubts of Winter 
Sink and cease. 

Gray my thoughts, but such a grayness, — 
Blue-gray, dove-gray, full of rest, 

Gathered in a holy quiet 
To thy breast. 



97 



HOMING 

My heart is like a homing bird, 
That flies to thee, to thee. 

Across the lonely leagues of earth. 
Across the restless sea. 

A wandering dove and all forespent 
It beats against the pane j 

Oh open wide the casement. Dear, 
And take it home again. 



98 



COMPANIONED 

Your Thought went with me through 
the street, 

The noisy dark unhappy street ; 
It whispered, — in my ears the sound 

Shut out the sound of hurrying feet ; 
It held me like a kind close arm, 

It went before me like a light, 
And rich and warm and wonderful 

Grew all the lonely night ! 



99 



PART II. 



AVE 

All the little birds are singing 

Just to greet so dear a child, 
Tiny bells of Elfland ringing, 

Wind-songs waking sweet and wild ; 
Pale sweet blooms in shadowy places. 

Flags unfurled from every bough, 
Baby ferns with crumpled faces, — 

None so sweet as thou ! 



103 



NESTS 

What was wrong, my Sweet, my Elfling; 

(Hush while mother croons) 
Would he be a baby robin 

Learning birdland runes ? 
Ah, the wind-songs wake the robins, — 

Thou, my bird, shalt rest, 
Watched and sung to, loved and guarded 

In thy own white nest. 

Would he be a gentle wee lamb, 

Following the sheep 
Through the spruce and blueberry bushes 

Down the pastured steep ? 
Ah, the darksome hours would fright thee, 

Dews make cold thy bed ; 
104 



NESTS 



On a warmer, softer pillow 
Rest that downy head. 

Would he be a pale May-blossom 

Under leafy shade, 
Sung to by the woodland voices, 

Listening half-afraid ? 
Tiny feet would scamper by thee. 

Branches strangely mourn ; 
You would droop and fade, my May-flower, 

Lonely and forlorn. 

Little Bird and Lamb and Flower, 

Each and all thou art, — 
Field and nest and shadowed forest 

Found in mother's heart ; 
True love's eyes bend low above thee 

Those first smiles to greet. 
True love's arms are thine for shelter j 

Rest thee, oh, my Sweet. 
los 



SECRETS 

Coo and croon thy story 

Close to mother's ear, 
Murmur all the secrets 

Wise men long to hear. 

I will tell you, Dearie, 

What the woods have told ; 

Where the first fair adder's-tongue 
Lifts its speckled gold ; 

Where the wee white violet 
Through the last year's leaves 

Smiles in baby wonder 

When the sad wind grieves. 
1 06 



SECRETS 

Now, my dear, my wise one, 

Teach me how to win 
That enchanted island 

Far from toil and din, 

Where there bloom forever. 

Fadeless and secure, 
Loves that cannot perish. 

Friendships that endure. 

Oh, my dear, my wise one. 

Crooning like a dove, 
Still our greatest secret 

Is always — Love — and Love. 



107 



DREAMLAND 

Angel of Dreamland, 
Come for my sweet ; 

Show him the country 
Where parted ones meetj 

The willows of slumber 
With tassels of gold, 

The white baby poppies 
Like lambs in the foldj 

The river of Dreamland 
That sings in its sleep 

A song for my dearie 
To learn and to keep ; 

io8 



DREAMLAND 



The bonnie wee palace 
That's built for our home 

When into the regions 
Of wonder we come. 

Angel of Dreamland, 
Come for my sweet ; 

Show him the country 
Where parted ones meet. 



109 



JOURNEYS 

So wide is the world, and so many its wonders, 
We would be voyagers, Baby and I ; 

Where shall we go in the Hushaby boat, dear. 
To what fairy country our fortunes to try ? 

Shall we go to that island far down the blue 
river 
Where once the white tents made a city of 
dream. 
Where hearts now far-severed were glad all 
together. 
With sunrise and sunset, with woodland and 
stream ? 

no 



JOURNEYS 

Shall we go to the forest, moonlighted, en- 
chanted. 
Where Ash-Pet and Rushy-Coat, happy at 
last. 
Come wandering by with their brave bonnie 
princes. 
And white-bearded gnomes from their castles 
march past ? 

Shall we seek for the fair storied land of adven- 
ture 
Where good Sir Bors wanders, and brave 
Galahad, 
Where the lily-white maid guards her shield in 
the tower, 
And tourney and joust make Camelot glad ? 

Come then on the journey, with mother for 
pilot, 

III 



JOURNEYS 

My sweet one, my small one ; not long is the 

way; 
Close, close those dear eyes that are weary with 

wonder, — 
Our boat's at the mooring in Slumberland 

Bay. 



112 



WAKING 

White lambkin, white lambkin, come up from 

the fold 
To the dear daylight meadows all spangled with 

gold; 
The blue laughing river sings low for thy sake, 
The robins call softly j — white lambkin, 

awake ! 



113 



WHITENESS 

Dear white bird, into Sleepland fly j 
Sunset fades in the tender sky j 
Fair is day, but the gloaming's best, 
And laughter is sweet, but sweeter rest. 
Dear white bird ! 

Dear white rose, in your garden set 
With lad's-love bushes and mignonette. 
Bend in slumber that tiny head ; 
Night's best blessings are on you shed. 
Dear white rose ! 

Dear white heart, while you softly sleep 
Watch may angels around you keep ; 
Happy visions at set of sun 
Come in dreams to my lovely one. 
Dear white heart ! 
114 



THE GARDEN 

A fairy lamb as white as snow 

Through all your dreams shall come and go, 

And you shall follow where he leads 

Through dusk-deep woods and blossomy meads, 

To where a little garden stands 

Laid out for you by fairy hands. 

Set round with red-coned tamarack — 

Four walls to keep the great world back — 

With lovely avenues whose shade 

By spruce and eglantine is made, 

With oread ferns in shady spots 

And shoals of blue forget-me-nots. 

With rows of crimson hollyhocks. 

And columbine, and spicy stocks, 

And other, fairer blossoms, known 



THE GARDEN 



To folk of childlike heart alone ; — 

The yellow lily, whose romance 

Grew not on any field of France, 

One white, ethereal immortelle 

From those lost woods we loved so well. 

And that Blue Rose whose petals gleam 

So richly by the paths of dream. 

Oh, Baby, let your wee hands keep 

Some flowers, when you come back from sleep ! 



ii6 



GOOD NIGHT 

Now I have sung thee to sleep, 

Wonderful treasure of mine ; 
May the Great Shepherd keep 

Thee close in the care divine ; 
Under the eyes of love 

Perfect and pure and deep 
I lay thee, my lamb, my dove. 

Safe through the dark to sleep. 



117 



FAIRY FAVOURS 

The moon looked in at Hilary 

And loved her gentle face ; 
It dowered her with mystery 

Of moonlight grace. 

The trees looked in at Hilary 
And heard her plaintive voice ; 

They whispered : " Little Heart of Dream, 
Thou shalt rejoice." 

The golden stars brought Hilary 

Report of lands unknown, 
The fairy people welcomed her 

As half their own. 

ii8 



FAIRY FAVOURS 



Oh, little daughter, Hilary, 
We too our offering make. 

Such love as watches day and night 
For thy dear sake. 



119 



GUARDED 

Sleep, my Iamb, my dearie ; 

All the birds are sleeping ; 
Through the dusky chamber 

Baby dreams come creeping. 

Sleep, my star, my flower, 
Mother rests beside thee. 

Love keeps watch above us, — 
How can harm betide thee ? 



120 



VOICES 

What do the little leaves say to my daughter ? 

Beautiful, wonderful words, 
Stories and stories the dryads have taught them, 

Songs they have learned from the birds. 

What do the Summer winds say to my daugh- 
ter ? 

Legends of ages ago, 
Lullabies sung in the days of the Pharaohs, 

Secrets the pyramids know. 

What does the drowsy dusk say to my daugh- 
ter ? 
" Sleep, sweetly sleep, all night through ; 
Stars glimmer softly like kind eyes to watch you, 
Out of the shadowy blue." 

121 



IN HILARY'S HOUSE 

In Hilary's house the walls are green, - 
Her house of tree and vine ; 

Through all the garden-world is seen 
Its roof of quaint design. 

The floor of Hilary's house is strewn 
With shifting sun and shade, 

The winds about her casement croon 
A fairy serenade. 

Oh Autumn, Autumn, come not thou 

To Hilary's house at all ; 
Let Summer linger sweet as now. 

And leaves forget to fall ! 



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